Here's some amusing news while wondering why the Rockies can't get anything going against a soft-tossing lefty who was in single A last year: famed waste of money/batting practice pitcher Russ Ortiz was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. Ortiz has more than two years and $22 million remaining on the 4-year, $33 million deal the since-departed Arizona management team signed him to in December 2004.

For their trouble Arizona received 138 2/3 innings pitched, a 6.95 ERA, and a 5-15 record in 28 starts. Let's all laugh at Arizona.

Grimsley was a steroid cheat; Ortiz got his mechanics changed by an idiot pitching coach in Arizona that caused injuries and a loss of movement and velocity, all in the name of more control.

Actually, I think I represent the majority when I say:

1. I hate soccer
2. I really like Russ Ortiz

He doesn't flaunt being "Born again", but he does seem to live out his faith and is a stand-up guy. He seems to have straightened out his mechanics in his last two starts after working again with genius pitching coach Leo Mazzone, so he could be a bargain for some team this off season.

And if he wanted to roll around in his money, why would be take a bullpen assignment for another team instead of going home for the season? Perhaps you should think before you type.

Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.